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England Women crowned Home Nations 7s champions

England Women picked up their third consecutive 7s win of the season on Sunday after winning the Home Nations tournament at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

The 7s side, coached by Simon Amor and Mike Friday, added the latest piece of silverware which follows wins in the Amsterdam 7s and the London Emirates Airline 7s.

England were playing new opposition in the Home Nations championship, which was running alongside the final tournament in the IRB World 7s Series. Amor’s side, captained by Wasps’ Sue Day, defeated Scotland 19-12 and 24-0 and Wales 42-5 and 31-10 to top the table and win the prestigious crown.

In their first game against Wales England started at a furious pace to record a 42-5 victory, which saw tries for Michaela Staniford, Day, Rachel Burford, Danielle Waterman, Charlotte Barras and Heather Fisher. Saracens’ Burford also added six conversions.

Next-up were Scotland and England were held to a much closer victory against the host nation who ran in two tries. Touchdowns for Staniford, Fisher and Barras in the second-half, and two conversions from the boot of Alice Richardson secured the win.

In the second round of games, two tries from Kat Merchant and touchdowns for Waterman, Vicky Massarella and Sarah Marsh earned England a 31-10 victory.

England then powered their way to the title with a convincing 24-0 win against Scotland with scores from Waterman and Day and a brace of tries from Barras. Burford also added two conversions.

England Head Coach Amor said: “It’s really pleasing to get another win under our belts. We had four tough games in a short space of time but the players came through really well. We are now looking forward to the European 7s later this month in France, which is a massive tournament as we look to qualify for the 2009 IRB Rugby World 7s.”